Table of Contents
- Buddy’s Pizza – The Detroit-Style Originator
- Michigan & Trumbull – Modern Take on a Classic
- Supino Pizzeria – Thin-Crust Favorite in Eastern Market
- Mootz Pizzeria & Bar – New York Slices Downtown
- Pie-Sci Pizza – Experimental Pies in Woodbridge
- Amar Pizza – Spicy, Bangladeshi-Inspired Pies
- How to Plan a Detroit Pizza Crawl
- Frequently Asked Questions
Buddy’s Pizza – The Detroit-Style Originator
Ask almost any Detroiter where Detroit-style pizza began and you’ll hear the same name: Buddy’s Pizza. The original location at Conant Street and Six Mile on Detroit’s east side dates back to the 1940s and is widely credited with creating the now-iconic style—rectangular pies baked in blue-steel pans, with a light, airy interior, crispy edges, and a stripe of sauce over the cheese.
Today, Buddy’s has multiple locations across Metro Detroit, including downtown near Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena. While it’s grown into a regional chain, the core experience is still about that classic square. Signature pies like the Detroiter (pepperoni, cheese, and Buddy’s famous red sauce) and the Super (loaded with pepperoni, ham, green peppers, onions, and mushrooms) are local staples.
Expect a casual, family-friendly atmosphere, pitchers of beer, and the kind of service that feels old-school in the best way. If you’re visiting Detroit and want to taste the style at its source, Buddy’s is a must.
Michigan & Trumbull – Modern Take on a Classic
Michigan & Trumbull is a newer name on the scene compared to Buddy’s, but it’s quickly become one of the most talked-about pizza spots in the city. Located in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood, this pizzeria pays homage to the original Tigers Stadium intersection while putting a chef-driven spin on Detroit-style pies.
The menu leans creative. Popular options include the McLovin (often featuring sausage, ricotta, and hot honey) and seasonal pies that highlight local produce and house-made toppings. The crust here is a standout—light yet substantial, with a pronounced crunch on the bottom and edges.
Michigan & Trumbull offers online ordering for pickup and delivery, and the cozy Corktown space makes it a great sit-down option before or after exploring nearby bars and shops. If you’re interested in how Detroit-style pizza is evolving, this is one of the city’s essential stops.
Supino Pizzeria – Thin-Crust Favorite in Eastern Market
For those who prefer a thinner crust, Supino Pizzeria in Eastern Market is a Detroit institution. Tucked just off Russell Street, Supino has been drawing lines for years with its New York–inspired, thin-crust pies that manage to be both chewy and crisp.
Supino is known for its thoughtful topping combinations. The Bismarck (with prosciutto and egg), Affumicata (smoked gouda, roasted garlic, and bacon), and Margherita are all popular picks. You can order whole pies or by the slice, which makes it an easy stop during a Saturday Eastern Market run.
The vibe is casual and slightly bohemian, with a small dining room and a focus on the food rather than frills. Supino is particularly good for groups who want to try several different pies and share.
Mootz Pizzeria & Bar – New York Slices Downtown
Right in the heart of downtown Detroit, a short walk from the stadiums and theater district, you’ll find Mootz Pizzeria & Bar. Mootz specializes in New York–style pizza: large, foldable slices with a thin, flavorful crust and balanced sauce-to-cheese ratio.
The restaurant offers both a full-service dining room and a slice counter, making it ideal whether you’re grabbing a quick bite before a game or settling in for a longer meal with cocktails. Signature pies like the Brooklyn Bridge (pepperoni, sausage, ricotta) and the Spicy Benny (with hot soppressata and Calabrian chiles) showcase their New York roots with a Detroit edge.
Mootz also has a strong bar program, with local beers, wine, and classic cocktails. If you’re staying downtown and craving a proper slice, this is one of your best bets.
Pie-Sci Pizza – Experimental Pies in Woodbridge
Pie-Sci Pizza, located near Wayne State University in the Woodbridge neighborhood, is where Detroit’s pizza scene gets truly experimental. What started as a pop-up has grown into a beloved brick-and-mortar spot known for its pun-filled menu and wildly creative topping combinations.
Expect rotating specials that might include flavors inspired by tacos, barbecue, or even classic comfort foods. Vegan and vegetarian options are plentiful, and the staff is used to accommodating dietary preferences. You can usually choose between traditional and Detroit-style crusts, giving you flexibility in how adventurous you want to be.
The atmosphere is casual and student-friendly, with counter service and a laid-back patio in warmer months. If you’ve already tried the classics and want something you can’t get anywhere else, Pie-Sci should be on your list.
Amar Pizza – Spicy, Bangladeshi-Inspired Pies
Just north of the city line in Hamtramck, Amar Pizza has earned a cult following for its fusion of Detroit-style pizza with Bangladeshi flavors. While technically outside Detroit proper, it’s close enough—and beloved enough by Detroiters—to deserve a spot in any serious pizza guide.
Amar is best known for its ghost pepper pizza, which brings serious heat, as well as other spicy creations featuring naga chiles and house-made sauces. The crust leans Detroit-style, with a thick, airy base and crispy edges that can stand up to bold toppings.
This is a great choice for spice lovers and adventurous eaters. If you’re planning a broader food tour that includes Hamtramck’s diverse dining scene, Amar is a standout stop.
How to Plan a Detroit Pizza Crawl
With so many standout spots, planning a Detroit pizza crawl is a fun way to sample different styles in a single day or weekend. Here’s a simple structure:
- Start downtown with a slice at Mootz Pizzeria & Bar or a square at a downtown Buddy’s Pizza location before a game or show.
- Head to Eastern Market for a thin-crust pie at Supino Pizzeria, especially on Saturday when the market is in full swing.
- Make your way to Corktown for a modern Detroit-style pie at Michigan & Trumbull.
- Finish near Midtown/Woodbridge with an experimental pie at Pie-Sci Pizza.
- Add Hamtramck and Amar Pizza if you want to include a spicy, international twist.
Spread this over two days if you want to fully enjoy each stop without overdoing it. Detroit’s neighborhoods are fairly close together, but rideshare or the QLINE (for Midtown and downtown) can make hopping between spots easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Detroit-style pizza is a rectangular, pan-baked pizza with a thick yet airy crust, crispy caramelized cheese edges, and a generous layer of Wisconsin brick or mozzarella cheese. Sauce is often ladled on top in stripes. It originated at Buddy’s Pizza in Detroit in the 1940s, using blue-steel pans originally made for auto parts.
If you want to taste the style at its roots, start with Buddy’s Pizza, especially the original Conant Street location. For a more modern interpretation, Michigan & Trumbull and Pie-Sci Pizza offer creative, high-quality takes on the Detroit-style square.
Yes. Mootz Pizzeria & Bar is right in downtown, a short walk from Comerica Park, Ford Field, and the theater district. There are also downtown locations of Buddy’s Pizza, making it easy to grab a square before or after a game or concert.
Most of the pizzerias listed offer solid vegetarian choices, and several cater well to vegans. Pie-Sci Pizza is particularly known for its vegan-friendly pies and creative meatless options. Always check current menus or call ahead, as offerings can change.
Many Detroit pizzerias, including Buddy’s Pizza and Michigan & Trumbull, offer delivery within a defined radius, either directly or via third-party apps. Availability depends on your location, so it’s best to check each restaurant’s website or your preferred delivery platform.
Reservations aren’t always required, but they can help during peak times—especially at Mootz Pizzeria & Bar, Michigan & Trumbull, and Supino Pizzeria on weekends or event nights. For quick slices or takeout, you can usually walk in or order ahead online.
Yes. Spots like Buddy’s Pizza, Supino Pizzeria, and Pie-Sci Pizza are very family-friendly, with casual atmospheres and shareable pies. Downtown locations such as Mootz are also suitable for families, especially earlier in the evening.
